Meter box having rotatable cover and interlocking means

Abstract

A meter box and a uniquely designed cover molded out of a substantially rigid plastic material is disclosed. The meter box comprises an open upper top with an upwardly extending rim member. On the inside surface of the meter box are means for supporting a cover forming a ledge member. The cover is arranged and configured to rest on the ledge confronting the rim of the box so as to substantially close the open top of the box. Disposed on the exterior of the meter box are a plurality of anchor tabs. A horizontal member is disposed between two anchor tabs adjacent the top of the meter box which enables the box to be secured in concrete and the like. The cover may be a substantially round member or may comprise first and second sections and means for rotatably joining the first and second sections together. The first section having outwardly extending protrusions which engage slots on the meter box so as to render the first section substantially immovable therein. The second section having an opening which enables the user to lift the second section off the top of the meter box and move it about the rotation means whereby the meter box is selectively opened and closed. The meter box and cover of the present invention have particular utility because of the ease of construction, and beneficial cost versus strength ratios.

I claim: 
     
       1. A meter box assembly comprising: (a) a round meter box having an open top with an upwardly extending rim forming a ledge member and inwardly extending support means disposed adjacent said rim for supporting an associated cover, said rim having slots configured to permit said cover to pass between said slots and be disposed on said support means;   (b) a cover member having means for engaging said ledge member, said means for engaging said ledge member configured to selectively pass through said slots when in alignment therewith, said cover member being axially rotatable on said meter box between a first open position wherein said slots are in alignment with said means for engaging said ledge member, and a second closed position wherein said means for engaging said ledge member prevents removal of said cover from said box by selectively engaging said ledge member; and   (c) an opening disposed through said cover adjacent the periphery thereof, said opening configured such that locking means can be inserted therethrough when said cover is in said second position so as to prevent the substantial rotation of said cover in any direction.   
     
     
       2. A meter box assembly according to claim 1 wherein said support means comprise a plurality of inwardly extending support members. 
     
     
       3. A meter box assembly according to claim 2, wherein said opening is disposed on said cover such that actuation of said locking means when said cover is in said second position causes one of said plurality of support members to be positioned between said locking means and said means for engaging said ledge member. 
     
     
       4. A meter box assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of support members is configured so as to limit the axial rotation of said cover. 
     
     
       5. A meter box assembly according to claim 1 wherein said means for engaging said ledge member comprises first and second outwardly extending protrusions.